Van Helsing (Cont.)

Edward looked down at Hannah, thinking of what to say. "Tell me what happened," he began softly.

 

Hannah shook her head. "You already know. I can tell."

Beatrice looked at Michael. "John is one of the ones that crossed the line."

 

"Not really," Edward sighed. "I mean, I could look into your mind right now and see it all as I'm sure John has, but Lestat only said one thing, and I'm guessing that wasn't the end of it."

 

"I know," Van Helsing replied. "I'm sure everyone wants to leave by nightfall, or shall we say here longer? I don't know if we're all fit or ready with enough information yet to travel to this Lady Anna's castle."

 

"I'll do whatever you need me to," Michael said.

 

"Whatever he told you is enough." Hannah said stubbornly.

 

"Thank you," Van Helsing muttered, inclining his head to Michael. "So do we leave later tonight or wait another day? I'm not sure."

 

"I won't be angry," Edward insisted. "I trusted him to protect you, and he's seemed to have a done a good job, but... you should be able to talk to me, if no one else."

 

Lestat laid on the bed in the main room of the Grecian island's mansion. His boots, vest, and tunic lay on the floor next to him, the hot Mediterranean sun making the soft locks of his hair cling to his forehead in a thin blood-sweat. He sighed to himself, caught in his thick memories as always.

Akasha, he thought sadly, the name still stabbing his little black heart painfully despite the passing of time. Louis... if you could only see me know, my beautiful Louis, and all the things I've done to these people, what would you say?

 

"I don't want to talk to anyone," Hannah muttered, rubbing her eyes as if it would change their color.

"I think we should wait...," Beatrice answered carefully. "Hannah doesn't seem up to traveling."

 

"She'll be fine," Michael assured Beatrice. "Lycans are very... sturdy." He chuckled.

 

"Don't make me do this," Edward said suddenly, grabbing either side of her face and staring into her eyes. "Don't make me look into your mind, Hannah; I want to hear you speak it instead of just taking what I want without explanation from you."

 

"It's not like she has to drive a carriage or anything," Van Helsing replied. "I mean... she can sit, sleep, if she wishes. Carl says Anna's castle is only a day's ride or so from here."

 

"Leave me alone!" Hannah jerked away from Edward, hating the eyes that he had to look at, and moving to the other side of the room in a flash. "Why do you want to know everything?! Can't I have one secret? One thing that's mine to tell to whom I want?!"

Beatrice agreed with Van Helsing, "If it's a short ride, we should be able to stay on a road and that will make it easier for Hannah to rest."

 

"Well, then we'll leave once the sun goes down," Van Helsing concluded. "In the meantime, I think Carl and I should actually sleep... before we go all crazy again."

 

"Yes," Edward replied, putting up his hands. "You can..." He faded off, standing and stepping slowly over to her, his hands still up by his ears. He lowered one when he stood in front of her, drifting his fingertips on the bitemark on her neck. He stopped himself from frowning and looked up at her, his eyes stopping on her lips for a small moment.

"I won't pry," he began softly, "because I trust you... and I will need your help soon."

 

Hannah turned her head away from Edward, her hood falling off. Her anger still boiled inside her. She shut her tearless, stinging eyes. "John will make me say it. Thank you... for not being like him."

"That's a good idea," Beatrice said. "We've got about eight hours."

 

"I never will be," Edward whispered, taking a step back. "That's been my point since I met you. Should..." he began, and finished, "should I leave you alone or something? I'm sure everyone will be ready to leave when the sun goes down again."

 

"Good," Van Helsing sighed happily, squeezing Jinx's shoulder one more time before he flopped down on the nearest bed and pulled his hat over his eyes. "All you non-sleeping people can do what you want till then," he mumbled.

 

"No," Hannah began her voice softer. "No, don't leave. I don't know what I'll do if I'm alone." She looked up at Edward now, her eyes searching his. "I'm sorry... I... I really didn't mean to be so harsh..."

Beatrice tilted her head in thought. Non-sleeping... She mulled over the idea.